National Council of Textile Organizations
 

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National Council of Textile Organizations

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A national trade group meeting the needs of the fiber, yarn, fabric and textile supplier sector

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U.S. Senator Elizabeth Dole

United States Senate w Washington, DC 20510

News Release

For Immediate Release:                           Contact: Lindsay Taylor, 202-224-7905

Monday, May 2, 2005                               Katie Norman, 202-224-2999

                                                                                          

Dole Urges U.S. Trade Representative to Meet

DR-CAFTA Concern of Textile Industry

Raises issue with rule of origin for non-visible pocketing and linings

Washington, DC - U.S. Senator Elizabeth Dole is urging U.S. Trade Representative Rob Portman to step up negotiations on certain provisions of the Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement that would affect the U.S. textile industry.  Of particular concern to Senator Dole is the current problem with the rule of origin for non-visible pocketing and linings.  While the text of the treaty is complete, there is still some flexibility on how this provision will be implemented should the agreement pass. 

“North Carolina is the heart of our nation’s textile industry and it is very important to me to ensure that this tradition continues,” said Senator Dole in correspondence to Portman.  “In recent months, I have shared a myriad of concerns regarding this agreement with the Administration and have been working diligently to have these issues addressed.  While progress has been made on several fronts, there is one issue that remains very problematic and that is the rule of origin for non-visible pocketing and linings.”

Under the current DR-CAFTA, non-visible pocketing and linings can be sourced from anywhere in the world, including China, while visible lining must be sourced regionally.  Under the current CBTPA agreement, which covers DR-CAFTA countries, U.S. textile companies ship approximately $100 million in pocketing and lining fabric to the region annually.

“While this is a very significant business for U.S. producers, it only affects ten percent of current CAFTA exports to the United States,” Senator Dole added.  “I understand that several possible solutions to this problem have been proposed, and I strongly encourage you to closely review these options and to do your utmost to resolve this problem.” 

 

Dole’s letter to Trade Representative Portman Click Here (PDF)

 
National Council of Textile Organizations
 

National Council of Textile Organizations
 
    
NCTO Washington Office NCTO North Carolina Office
910 17th Street, NW, Suite 1020 P.O. Box 99
Washington, DC 20006 Gastonia, NC 28053
Phone: (202) 822-8028 Phone: (704) 824-3522
Fax: (202) 822-8029 Fax: (704) 824-0630

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